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Flavorful Thai Beef Salad Recipe with Crispy Shallots and Lime Dressing

thai beef salad - featured image

A vibrant and refreshing Thai beef salad featuring tender marinated beef, crisp greens, crispy shallots, and a tangy lime dressing, perfect for summer meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon fish sauce
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon vegetable oil (for searing)
  • 4 cups mixed salad greens (romaine, arugula, butter lettuce)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 small cucumber, thinly sliced
  • ½ cup fresh cilantro leaves, roughly chopped
  • ½ cup fresh mint leaves
  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 3 large shallots, thinly sliced
  • ½ cup vegetable oil (for frying shallots)
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce
  • 1 tablespoon palm sugar or light brown sugar
  • 1 small red chili, finely sliced
  • 1 teaspoon toasted rice powder (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat vegetable oil in a small frying pan over medium heat to about 320°F (160°C). Fry thinly sliced shallots in batches until golden brown and crisp, about 2-3 minutes. Stir occasionally. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Set aside.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, and minced garlic. Stir until sugar dissolves. Add thinly sliced beef and toss to coat. Marinate for 10-15 minutes at room temperature.
  3. Rinse and dry salad greens. Slice cherry tomatoes in half, thinly slice cucumber and red onion, and roughly chop cilantro and mint leaves. Combine all in a large salad bowl.
  4. Heat vegetable oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add marinated beef in a single layer (in batches if needed). Sear 1-2 minutes per side until browned but tender. Remove and let rest a few minutes, then slice if needed.
  5. In a small bowl or jar, combine fresh lime juice, fish sauce, palm sugar, sliced chili, and toasted rice powder if using. Whisk or shake until sugar dissolves. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  6. Pour dressing over salad greens and toss gently. Top with cooked beef slices and sprinkle generously with crispy shallots. Toss lightly before serving.

Notes

Keep crispy shallots separate until serving to maintain crunch. Slice beef against the grain for tenderness. Control oil temperature carefully when frying shallots to avoid burning. Use fresh lime juice for best flavor. Marinate beef briefly to avoid mushiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: Thai beef salad, crispy shallots, lime dressing, summer salad, quick Thai recipe, beef salad, fresh herbs, easy dinner